Customer Reviews

Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths: From 1868 to the Present

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
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Art historians have long recognized Kondansha as one of the premier publishers of books on Japanese art and artifacts, and this publication lives up to their excellent reputation. As a long-time Japanese sword collector and enthusiast, and owner of every known book in English on the Japanese sword, I was delighted that this book contains a wealth of information I didn't previously know. That in and of itself makes it a valuable treasure. I was moreover pleased that the book starts at the beginning, providing excellent background and references to help the beginner. I strongly recommend it to all my sword students, and to anyone interested in collecting, and more important, understanding the modern Japanese sword (Gendaito). The book, while very well written, does have several redundancies and a few circular references that are no doubt in part due to it being a first edition. But in most cases it is simply because the authors have a specific purpose in mind: the unabashed promotion of the traditionally-made modern Japanese sword as an object of art. The book takes a strong stand, contrary to the thinking of much of the sword-collecting world, that only Koto swords (mid Heian to 1596) have true artistic and collectible value. The book presents a powerful case for the value and craftsmanship of the modern Gendaito, set against the context of the history of Japanese swordmaking and backed up by trusted and incontrovertible sources. Of course, it does not exhort modern machine-made mass-produced blades, but rather it explains (in detail) how many thousands of WW II and modern blades were made in the traditional way, and clears up many misconceptions about what is a true and valuable Gendaito blade. While many of us will still delight in finding Koto and Shinto era blades, now we have a context for appreciating equally well the finest Gendaito. This is certainly required reading for anyone who intends to collect Japanese swords, and especially if you prowl eBay!

Hey all!

This is definately a book for the library! If you're looking for a good resource on researching all those showa-to and Gendai-to then look no further! This book has everything you could want and more! No Oshigata, but tons of useful info about tang markings, hot stamps, showa blade characteristics, MFG. practice, and things you never even thought of! So, you think your "star stamped" Gendai is "traditionally made"? Think again! Buy this book and you'll see what I mean... Wonderful book that has already saved me $$$

While my library of Japanese swords and blade smiths is meager, I would highly recommend this book as a MUST HAVE!!

This book makes a great reference book about modern blade smiths from 1868 to the present. Many of these artists have turned out beautiful swords.

The authors who wrote this book did a fantastic job.

I highly recommend this book.

Very good book, easy to read and full of comprehensive information, a good starting point in the Japanese sword world.

This book has helped me understand the dedication to the art of sword/knifemaking by people working in the present time. I find that knifemaking has helped me better understand myself & I have found an outlet for creating something that will outlast me. Working with my hands with a hammer on an anvil is a very satisfying journey that I share with other makers & this book has opened a window into that world. Bill, Columbia, S.C.

Not sure what some of the reviewers expect who had some negative things to say about the book?? This is an incredible book that tries to do a lot, and generally succeeds. If for no other reason, the valuable insights from the 28-interviews make this book worthwhile on their own. If you have ever considered buying a Gendaito (modern era) blade, or simply want to learn more about the intimacies of Japanese blades, this is a great book.

All the photos are b/w but of excellent quality. There are some historical images of swords, craftsmen, shinto priests, and soldiers. I like the image of the Akabane arsenal taken by US forces showing a mega-stockpile of seized gunto (swords). There are many photo examples of very high quality blades, many made by the craftsmen who are interviewed. There are also some hand drawn figures showing details like kissaki (sword tip) and hamon (temper line), and the various types of sword styles and curvatures that will help educate anyone new to the subject or act as a quick reference for those of us who space something out from time to time.

For the beginner there are detailed chapters on the parts of a sword and the history of development. For anyone planning to travel to Japan to invest in a new blade, this is an excellent resource for comparing the different styles of craftsmanship and the processes involved in making and buying a sword. This is one of my favorite sword books out of many. I also recommend "The New Generation of Japanese Swordsmiths" by Tamio Tsuchiko as a companion to this book. Both are outstanding but see my review for that book as there are a number of redundant interviews, which for me was not a problem.

The book is a very good collection of historical and research material. It covers a rather short period of time; however, sword production during this period over shadows all other periods combined. If you are doing research on a particular smith the chances are you will not find much, but from an overall historical perspective the time period is well documented. Overall, the publication will be a good addition to your collection.
Dan

Book lacked new information from their previous book. Not enough swords, too many interviews. What happened to the sword smith before WWII.